HBO’sGame of Thronesprequel series is starting to come together in a more tangible way now that the premium network has made the announcement of a director for the pilot as well as the full cast list. Back in October, we learned thatNaomi Wattswouldlead the seriesas “a charismatic socialite hiding a dark secret,” and the next day it was revealed thatPoldark’sJosh Whitehousehad beencast in a “key” role. But things have been quiet since then – until now!
DirectorS.J. Clarkson(Collateral) has been tapped to helm the series' pilot (as well as executive produce), which could mean thatStar Trek 4might be pushed (or may go on without her, as she was also selected todirect the next installmentof the rebooted franchise). With Watts in the lead, Clarkson behind the camera, andJane Goldmanserving as showrunner, it seems like HBO is learning from some of its past mistakes in the handling of women’s stories onGame of Thrones, and addressing a lack of diversity with a diverse supporting cast.
That cast includesNaomi Ackie(Star Wars: Episode IX),Denise Gough(Angels in America),Jamie Campbell Bower(The Twilight Saga),Sheila Atim(Harlots),Ivanno Jeremiah(Humans),Georgie Henley(The Chronicles of Narnia),Alex Sharp(How to Talk to Girls at Parties), andToby Regbo(Reign), who have all joined the pilot as series regulars. However, nothing is yet known about their characters or roles (of course!)
The series has been described as chronicling “the world’s descent from the golden Age of Heroes into its darkest hour. And only one thing is for sure: from the horrifying secrets of Westeros’ history to the true origin of the white walkers, the mysteries of the East to the Starks of legend… it’s not the story we think we know.”
As I wrote when Whitehouse was cast,George R.R. Martinhas built in a ton of lore to hisSong of Ice and Firenovel series, something theGame of ThronesTV show hasn’t always followed-up well with (we have gotten a glimpse of the origin of the White Walkers via theChildren of the Forest, but there is a lot more to get into). It seems like this series might really be leaning into its fantasy roots than even the current series does (ahem, like with the way itignores the Direwolves). And as has been reported before,Game of ThronesshowrunnersDan WeissandDavid Benioffwill have no role in the upcoming prequels or other spinoff series.
Game of Thronesreturns to HBO for its final season in April.
